McGuane pays tribute to former troops

By
CAMERON WHITELEY

FORMER Burnie Dockers coach Mick McGuane has paid tribute to his old team with a heartfelt letter prepared for last night's club reunion.

FORMER Burnie Dockers coach Mick McGuane has paid tribute to his old team with a heartfelt letter prepared for last night's club reunion.

While unable to attend the event which celebrated the club's NTFL premiership successes from 2001 to 2005, McGuane compiled a letter that was recited at the reunion.

"All you players of 2001 who represented our club both at senior and reserve level were simply magnificent men to coach," wrote McGuane, who coached the Dockers to the premiership that year.

"Nothing, and I mean nothing, was going to stand in our way that year.

"You as men stood for something: you were proud competitors who hated defeat."

Enjoying the Burnie Dockers football reunion on Friday night are (from left), Nick Good of Burnie, James Wiggins of Wynyard, Nathan Ling of Riana and Jann and Barry Stretton of Hellyer Beach. Picture: Stuart Wilson

McGuane also singled out some of the individuals who made his time at the club the more memorable.

"There is always a story of disappointment and the one that hurts me most was not having Rat [Andrew] Hering play on grand final day," he said.

"He was magnificent that year, kicking 102 goals, and to not have him on grand final day was always going to be a challenge.

"Who will ever forget his 17 goals against Smithton when we kicked 49.35 to 1.1?

"Barnsey [Nick Barnes] I hope you are well mate ... you were superb that day ... You became a man that year ... You done us proud.

"Stret [Clinton Stretton] ... I challenged you ... You tested my patience at times and you soon realised there was only going to be one winner ... It was my way not your way ... It takes courage to change the way you play to become a winner ... And that you did mate.